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2 Messages

Saturday, February 29th, 2020 3:47 AM

Genie Mini "signal" field is blank in HDMI

This is a case of "it worked until the upgrade." I have both HMDI and A/V outputs from my DirecTV receiver. The HDMI goes to the TV. The A/V goes to an old non-HDMI DVD player, which then connects to the TV. The TV has a digital audio out that goes to an Onkyo stereo receiver (which is also hooked up to other non-TV stuff). The Onkyo outputs to speakers in my kitchen so I can hear the TV in there without turning it up to deafening levels. With my previous DirectTV HD receiver, I could turn on the Onkyo and hear the sound output from the TV regardless of whether I was in HDMI or A/V mode. With the new Genie Mini, there is no sound output to the Onkyo in HDMI mode, though it still works fine in A/V mode. Here's a clue: when I turn on the Mini and the TV, I briefly get a status screen with the following fields: Format; Signal; Mode. In A/V mode, all three fields are filled (and the "Signal" field reads "Stereo.") In HDMI mode, the "Signal" field is blank. I have tried changing the sounds settings on the receiver (turning off Dolby, etc.) but the "Signal" field remains blank. How do I get that field filled again so I can watch in HD and still listen in the next room (and not subsequently have to unplug the HDMI cable from the Mini while in A/V mode to stop getting that annoying protected-video overscreen)? Thanks for suggestions!

ACE - Expert

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22.9K Messages

5 years ago

Some information may help those in the community familiar with that exact situation help figure it out.

What model is the main Genie receiver?

What model is the Mini Genie (Client, not a receiver)?

What model box did the Mini Genie replace?

Have you verified your non DirecTV equipment (TV, etc.) is current on any software updates?

New Member

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2 Messages

Thank you for your reply, Juniper. I didn't list a model number on my initial post because I didn't think it had one, but a determined search finally turned up a separate little sticker! The Genie Mini is a C61-100, date of manufacture 21 Oct 2016. The main DirecTV reciever has no model number that I can find top, sides, or bottom, but its serial # is C54BE9AB316776, date of manufacture 5 Jan 2019. The previous model (taken from my equipment-return letter) was either a C41-100 or a HR44-500; I'm not sure which model was in which room. My TV is old enough not to be internet compatible, so software updates aren't an option. I hope this is useful!

ACE - Expert

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21.1K Messages

Look behind the access card door for the model label.

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ACE - Expert

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22.9K Messages

Every single box has a model, as they have changed many times over the years.

C61 is the most recent generation of regular (not 4K or wireless) Clients.

HR44 and C41 were both 2nd generation (Genie and Mini respectively)

The main Genie receiver will have a label inside the access card door, and usually on the bottom as well. If you previously had a warranty replacement, you probably have the 3rd generation Genie (HR54 or HR54R1), but if you had an "upgrade" then you would unfortunately have the Genie-2 (HS17) which is a headless server tower that doesn't go on a TV itself. With a manufacture date of 2019, I fear it is the HS17.

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New Member

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2 Messages

Okay, I finally found it through the "Settings" menu on the TV! (The receiver has a slot in the side for the card, not a compartment with a door.) It's HR54/200. The upgrade happened when my housemate canceled service and I needed to establish a new contract in my own name; there was no warranty claim involved. Curiously, the status screen with "Format; Signal; Mode" doesn't come up on the TV with the main receiver when I turn it on. I don't know now whether that's a function of the receiver or the TV itself.

ACE - Expert

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21.1K Messages

Yes the HR54 has a sticker near the access card so when you didn't see it we assumed you had a Genie with an access card door which would be an HR44 but wanted it confirmed.

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*I am not a DIRECTV employee, and the views and opinions expressed on this forum are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider, or party.


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